A former truck driver had his benefits stopped by Reading Job Centre for not “actively seeking employment”, despite completing two courses.

John Jackson, 58, is furious at having his Jobseekers' Allowance taken away

A former truck driver had his benefits stopped by Reading Job Centre for not “actively seeking employment”, despite completing two courses.

John Jackson, 58, of Fircroft Close, Tilehurst, had his Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) suspended in February after receiving a letter stating “a doubt was raised” over his efforts to find work between February 13 and February 26.

However, for six of those days he was completing employability and customer service courses.

Mr Jackson signed on in November, after losing his licence for being over the drink-drive limit.

He said: “I made a foolish mistake by driving the next morning after drinking the night before, but I am desperate to find new work with the skills I have.

“All I know is driving, I have done it all my life. I obviously can’t drive a truck any more. I have a licence to drive a forklift, but it needs updating.”

Mr Jackson completed the courses to gain the necessary Jobcentre Plus points to qualify for the forklift licence course.

“Until my licence is updated no one will employ me as I would be a cost to their business if they had to update it,” explained Mr Jackson.

He received his last JSA payment on Friday, February 15. He said on Wednesday this week that he was expecting a payment the next day.

Mr Jackson is unable to pay rent to his landlady and does odd jobs in return for his lodgings.

The Job Centre considers ‘actively seeking employment’ to be looking for and applying for job vacancies.

“I’m trying my best to find work, but I can only apply for jobs I have the skills to do,” said Mr Jackson.

“Once my licence is updated I will be able to find work. I have been looking in the paper and online for work.”

A spokeswoman for the Department of Work and Pensions said: “It is absolutely right that, when people claim JSA, that they stick to the contract they make with us. The conditions that go with that ensure people aren’t taking advantage of taxpayers’ money.

“We take care to ensure people understand what is expected of them and encourage them to take up all the help that is available to them so they can get back to work.

“Sanctions are only used where people have not adhered to their jobseeker obligations.”